Stroke

Choose the right healthcare service to get the care you need and to enable the NHS to help the greatest number of people.

GREEN Self-care or ask a pharmacist for advice

Preventing a stroke

Medical conditions that increase the risk of stroke mean it is important to manage it.

  • take prescribed medicine
  • eat well
  • take regular exercise and avoid periods of prolonged inactivity
  • follow alcohol advice (no more than 14 units a week)
  • stop smoking

RED It is a life-threatening emergency

Symptoms of a stroke – remember FAST:

Face – face may have dropped on one side, the person may not be able to smile, or their mouth or eye may have dropped.

Arms – unable to lift both arms and keep them there because of weakness or numbness in one arm.

Speech – slurred or garbled speech, or unable to talk despite appearing to be awake; problems understanding what you’re saying to them.

Time – time to dial 999 immediately if you see any of these signs or symptoms.

Other signs and symptoms may include:

  • paralysis of one side of the body, or limb or visual field neglect
  • partial loss of vision
  • being or feeling sick
  • dizziness
  • confusion
  • difficulty understanding what others are saying
  • problems with balance and co-ordination
  • difficulty swallowing
  • loss of consciousness

Call 999 and ask for an ambulance, or go straight to Emergency Department, Queen Alexandra Hospital, Cosham

If symptoms disappear while waiting for the ambulance, it is still important to go to hospital for an assessment.